Maryhill
On the way into The Dalles stop and take in the peaceful monument of Maryhill Stonehenge. Commissioned by Samuel Hill, the monument is a memorial to those who died in World War 1. It was dedicated on July 4, 1918 and completed in 1929. Unfortunately, there was a family playing hide and seek through the monument while I was there, but I was still able to wonder at the construction.
Maryhill winery is a beautiful location set on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River. The atmosphere is a bit stodgy and their wind is on the expensive side, but if you get someone in a good mood they may slip in a few extra tastes. Getting people to sign up for their wine club is definitely a goal, but if you can avoid the pitch and score a table in the sun, it's definitely worth taking some time out for the view.
The Dalles - Historic Drinking
Sunshine Mill is hard to miss as you drive into the center of town. Built in an old wheat mill, it was the first building in town to have electricity and they still have the old Thomas Edison Motor on display. Enjoy a small plate while sampling their wine surrounded by old mill fixtures. Very nice people and there's something different everywhere you look.
If you're looking for something a bit more raucous, try Clock Tower Ales further in town. Set in the second Wasco County Courthouse, home to the last public hanging in 1905, they offer typical pub eats and a wide array of beers on tap.
Pictographs and Petroglyphs
Columbia Hills State park offers guided tours to a series of pictographs along the Columbia River. A petroglyph is a drawing carved into the rock while a pictograph is a drawing painted onto the rock. The process for creating a pictograph is quite complex and involves several, unappealing substances, but the outcome is quite durable. The tour is about 1 mile round trip and takes between 1-1/2 to 2 hours depending on the chattiness of your guide. The ground is uneven so be prepared with sturdy shoes that are good for scrambling and standing.
Mosier
Heading West toward Hood River you'll find the town of Mosier, OR, population 430. Tucked up along the ridge is the Twin Tunnels hike. This trail was once the original US Highway 30 and is now a paved trail for walkers and cyclists. It is five miles long and passes through two tunnels blasted through the rock. The path is wide and well maintained and provides spectacular views of the gorge and forest.
If you're looking for post hike libations, you can sample wines at Analemma Winery high up on the hillside as you pass back East through town. If the hipster crowd is more your scene, check out Rack and Cloth for a pint of their unfiltered cider and a quirky 'za. Their patio is a nice place to soak in the last bit of sun for the day and unwind.
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